Monday Morning Progress Report

[Jerome]

I got the bot to connect and can move it around with the arrow keys. I set the X and Y Prox switches and they seem to work.

For those who haven't been following my adventures, The bot is a PRS Alpha with an ATC and it is 3 phase. It was delivered last Wednesday

I have a couple of small problems left to solve. I have an email in to shopbot about them but I'll mention them here and maybe some of you have had similar problems.

First one is the spindle. I can't get it to start. The cooling fan is working but I haven't figured out how to get the spindle to run. It is 3 phase and has a small box hooked to it which I assume to be the speed controller. The speed controller has a usb cable connected but I can't find where to connect it. I have connected it to the computer but that doesn't seem to do anything

Second involves the ATC calibration routine. The instructions say to put an empty tool holder in the spindle and one upside down in the ATC tool holder.
When I run the routine the Spindle keeps going down and hitting the ATC tool holder bar. I have to hit the emergency stop to prevent damage to the machine.

Thanks in avance for any information
Jerome

[Gary Campbell]

Jerome...
I will try to give you some insight, and might get you going in the right direction, but make sure you get the real answers from SB techs.

First the spindle. Is the spindle power thru wired into the contactor next to the control box power switch? It should be. If so then, with cover open, turn box on and use voltmeter to make sure power passes thru the contactor. Also Output 1 [ALT + 1] should trigger the spindle. The keyboard must be active or output 4 [ALT + 4] needs to be on to enable this when not cutting. ALSO the safety lockout needs to be in the ON position.

To start the ATC calibrate routine you should have:
an empty holder (no nut, collet or bit) in the spindle
an empty holder (same) upside down in the toolholder fork (holder #1)
Line the spindle holder up over the holder in the clip with the keyboard 1/2" or so above it
place ground clip on holder in spindle
place calibration clip on holder in clip.

Thats all I have from memory, hope its enough

[Jerome]

Thanks Gary, I will be starting that calibration routine tomorrow. And I can use all the advice you wish to give.

I called Shopbot today and after 3 hours the spindle is running. The problem was in the VFD speed controller. He read me about a thousand numbers which I punched in on the controller and it finally started.

The tech support is fantastic.

More to come

Jerome

[Gary Campbell]

Jerome...
Glad to see the spindle is working. Take your time, you have one badazz machine. Post here if you need help.